Newcastle v WBA: priority shifts for Alan Pardew

It says everything about Demba Ba’s impact at Newcastle United that signing a new centre forward is no longer the priority when the transfer window opens next month.

With Steven Taylor out for the season with an Achilles injury, finding a central defender is now the chief concern, which is testament to the impact made on Tyneside by Ba, who arrived from West Ham United on a free transfer in the summer.

The Senegal forward has scored 11 goals in 15 appearances, a strike-rate worthy of a jersey that has not been filled since Andy Carroll’s £35 million departure to Liverpool last January.

“In terms of all-round ability, goals and everything he has given us, Demba has been a real big bonus this year,” Pardew…